"That does sound like a mouse," said Joe. "Been doing that all morning?"
"Yes."
"From the sound of it, he's still chained," said Joe. "Hear that chain rattle?"
"Maybe he's just doing it to fool you. When you get close...."
"I'm not going to get close enough for him to jump me," said Joe positively. "One move from him, and I'll come up these stairs like a shot. Then if he's following, you clout him as he comes past...."
The door was open now and Joe began his exploration. He snapped on the basement light. The squeaking stopped instantly. He went slowly down the stairs.
"He's still sitting beside the wall, and the chain's still tight," he said over his shoulder to Pearl. "I can see that from here."
"Then don't go any closer," said Pearl worriedly. "Let well enough alone."
"There's something...." Joe's voice trailed off. He went to the bottom of the stairs, looked at the Devil. The Devil was staring back at him, but there was no glimmer of intelligence or recognition in them. Nothing but a cowering alertness, an unblinking stare that looked almost like a trapped animal.
Then the Devil squeaked.